I am a second generation Italian American. My mother and father learned English as a secound language. They were both very intelligent people, but never had the opportunity to finish high school due to the economics of the times.
even with their lack of a formal education, they were both did a great of reading, were successful in the business world and valued education. There was never a question that we would work hard in school and go to college.
My parents read to us, took us on vacations that exposed us to life outside of our Italian neighborhood. It was a great childhood, which would seem simple by today's standards.
Even though both my parents worked long hours, there was always time for the family, and because my father had a business we spent many Saturdays and vacations working in my father's store. At the time I would rather be with my friends, but as I got older I realized what a valuable experience it was and how few people get this opportunity.
Another great influence was The Boy Scouts. For a city kid, the Scouts got us outdoors allowed us to be put in all types of situations were you learned to adapt. The program was established but it was up to the individual to decide what they would like to learn, how much they would kike to get out of the experience, an how you will share your experiences with others.
I loved the challenge and became an Eagle Scout, and worked camp councilor for many years and got the opportunity to work at the largest camp in the world in New Mexico as a forestry and logging instructor with only some basic training in the subject which turned out to be a very positive experience. I served as a volunteer for many years. This experience allowed me to develop my interest in the natural sciences and my career in education.
Another very important experience was my time in the business world. In 1985 I decided to leave teaching to start a residential construction company. This was quite a stretch considering I had only landscape construction experience. With the help of my uncle Angelo, a master carpenter. I purchased a lot a built a small house, this turned out to be the first real thing I ever did, there was no one to blame the product was either acceptable on unsalable, there was no middle ground. The bank would give you money but there were no excuses for late payments no matter "nice a guy you were". I had to learn to not only schedule subcontractors and deal with all types of personalities, but learn the business, education is a very challenging profession, but staring a business was a totally different, their no safety nets, a bad week results in no income or worse.
In order to survive in this world I had to learn as much as I could from anyone willing to help. I was fortunate to have come in contact with a variety of trade’s people willing to share their knowledge. I developed a great deal of respect those in the trade, their knowledge and their various teaching styles.
When I returned to Education 8 years later and had to start over, I had a renewed confidence and respect for the profession.
even with their lack of a formal education, they were both did a great of reading, were successful in the business world and valued education. There was never a question that we would work hard in school and go to college.
My parents read to us, took us on vacations that exposed us to life outside of our Italian neighborhood. It was a great childhood, which would seem simple by today's standards.
Even though both my parents worked long hours, there was always time for the family, and because my father had a business we spent many Saturdays and vacations working in my father's store. At the time I would rather be with my friends, but as I got older I realized what a valuable experience it was and how few people get this opportunity.
Another great influence was The Boy Scouts. For a city kid, the Scouts got us outdoors allowed us to be put in all types of situations were you learned to adapt. The program was established but it was up to the individual to decide what they would like to learn, how much they would kike to get out of the experience, an how you will share your experiences with others.
I loved the challenge and became an Eagle Scout, and worked camp councilor for many years and got the opportunity to work at the largest camp in the world in New Mexico as a forestry and logging instructor with only some basic training in the subject which turned out to be a very positive experience. I served as a volunteer for many years. This experience allowed me to develop my interest in the natural sciences and my career in education.
Another very important experience was my time in the business world. In 1985 I decided to leave teaching to start a residential construction company. This was quite a stretch considering I had only landscape construction experience. With the help of my uncle Angelo, a master carpenter. I purchased a lot a built a small house, this turned out to be the first real thing I ever did, there was no one to blame the product was either acceptable on unsalable, there was no middle ground. The bank would give you money but there were no excuses for late payments no matter "nice a guy you were". I had to learn to not only schedule subcontractors and deal with all types of personalities, but learn the business, education is a very challenging profession, but staring a business was a totally different, their no safety nets, a bad week results in no income or worse.
In order to survive in this world I had to learn as much as I could from anyone willing to help. I was fortunate to have come in contact with a variety of trade’s people willing to share their knowledge. I developed a great deal of respect those in the trade, their knowledge and their various teaching styles.
When I returned to Education 8 years later and had to start over, I had a renewed confidence and respect for the profession.